Neer mor, South Indian buttermilk recipe

Neer mor, South Indian buttermilk recipe is a cooling, healthy summer drink made with fresh thick curd, green chilies, curry leaves, and ginger

Neer mor

Neer mor or Neer moru is the Tamil name for South Indian buttermilk made with curd or yogurt. It goes by the name majjiga in Telugu, majjige in Kannada and sambaram in Malayalam. It is a refreshing, cooling, traditional, yogurt-based drink that’s perfect for the sweltering heat during the summer months. It is similar to lassi, sweetened yogurt drink but savory in flavor with a high proportion of water to yogurt like chaas or mattha.

In many Indian homes, down South, you will find grandmothers and mothers filling earthen pots with neer mor during the summer months. Not only do the family members relish this easily digestible buttermilk beverage but also offer guests. Neer mor is an integral part of a South Indian thali and is savored towards the end of the meal since it aids digestion. Buttermilk has probiotic benefits, hydrates and gives relief from fatigue and profuse sweating.

I am maintaining an organic garden and grow curry leaf plant, green chilis, and fresh coriander among other plants. Its a pleasure to pluck fresh herbs and use them in my cooking especially while making spiced buttermilk. During summer, I make a batch of fresh neer mor every day. Each home has their own spice concoction, i.e the spices/herbs used in the making of spiced buttermilk recipe. Some homecooks make a paste of green chilies and ginger while others add slit or chopped green chilies and grated ginger to neer mor. I like to add grated ginger and slit green chilis. After the neer mor is infused with the flavors, I discard the green chilis and serve. We should allow the neer mor to sit for a couple of minutes for the flavors to meld.

Another variation is the addition of a tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves to the neer mor or majjiga. Use fresh, well set thick curd and fresh herbs to savor the true flavor of neer more. One of the best Indian summer drinks that is healthy, refreshing and tasty.